Nature Nurture

• What does the nature-nurture debate in psychology refer to?

  • The relative importance of heredity (nature) and environment (nurture) in determining behavior.
  • Interactionist approach considers how both factors influence each other.
• What do nativists believe about human characteristics?

  Nativists believe that human characteristics are innate and the result of heredity.
• What do empiricists argue about the mind at birth?

  Empiricists argue that the mind is a blank slate at birth, shaped by experience.
• How is heredity assessed?

  Heredity is assessed using the heritability coefficient.
• What does the heritability coefficient indicate?

  It indicates the extent to which a characteristic has an inherited basis, ranging from 0 to 1.
• What does the interactionist approach imply about free will?

  The interactionist approach implies that free will is not possible as behavior is influenced by internal and external events.
• What do concordance rates from twin studies indicate?

  Concordance rates indicate the degree to which twins share a characteristic, supporting the roles of nature and nurture.
• What does the diathesis-stress model suggest about psychopathology?

  The diathesis-stress model suggests that psychopathology arises from a genetic vulnerability expressed when triggered by environmental stressors.
• What are examples of theories that take the nature side of the nature-nurture debate?

  • Genetic theories of behavior
  • Evolutionary psychology
  • Biological determinism
• What are examples of theories that take the nurture side of the nature-nurture debate?

  • Behaviorism
  • Social learning theory
  • Environmental psychology
• What is the significance of the nature-nurture debate in psychology?

  The significance lies in understanding how both heredity and environment contribute to behavior and development.
• How do basic instincts relate to the nature-nurture debate?

  Basic instincts drive behavior but are influenced by the relationship with parents and the environment.
• What is the view of the mind according to behaviorists?

  Behaviorists view the mind as a blank slate at birth, with behavior determined by learning experiences.
• What are the implications of taking an extreme nativist viewpoint?

  • May overlook the role of environment in shaping behavior.
  • Can lead to deterministic views that ignore individual agency.
  • Could be considered socially sensitive due to implications for education and social policy.
• Why is it difficult to separate the effects of nature and nurture?

  It is difficult because nature can influence nurture and vice versa, creating complex interactions.
• How does the nature-nurture debate relate to free will and determinism?

  The nature-nurture debate is less deterministic than hard determinism because it acknowledges the influence of both factors on behavior.
• What is the Reimer case in relation to the nature-nurture debate?

  The Reimer case is a controversial example used to evaluate the nature-nurture debate regarding gender identity and upbringing.
• Which end of the nature-nurture debate does an empiricist support?

  An empiricist supports the nurture end of the nature-nurture debate.
• What are the implications of taking an extreme nativist viewpoint in research?

  Extreme nativist viewpoints may lead to socially sensitive conclusions and overlook environmental factors.
• How do siblings raised together have different upbringings?

  Siblings raised together may experience different environments due to factors like parental divorce or differing parental attention.
• Why is it difficult to determine the influence of the environment on behavior?


  It is difficult because environmental influences can vary greatly and interact with genetic predispositions.
• How can nature affect nurture and vice versa?

  Nature can predispose individuals to certain behaviors, which can then be shaped by their environmental experiences.
• How is the nature-nurture debate less determinist than hard determinism?

  The nature-nurture debate allows for the influence of both genetics and environment, suggesting a more flexible understanding of behavior.
• How could the Reimer case be used to evaluate the nature-nurture debate?

  The Reimer case illustrates the complexities of gender identity and the interplay between biological and environmental factors.